Request Tickets

Upcoming Show:

The Wheelmobile

It’s big, yellow, and making its way through America’s hearts and heartland. Join us at the Wheelmobile’s next stop for puzzles, prizes and fun. You’ll even have the chance to meet our mobile Hosts and try your hand at America’s Game.

Wheel of Fortune - Featured Contestant

Jade G.

Jade G's Blog Post

How did you come to be a contestant on Wheel?

I watched Wheel with my mother and grandmother and always knew I wanted to be a contestant. One day, my co-worker, who is also a close friend and godmother to my children, told me that we should apply and submit a video together. As part of our video we made large banners for our classrooms and included our students chanting “Pick Our Teachers!” My friend later submitted the video and application and selected to be considered for Teacher’s Week and Best Friends Week.

About two weeks later my friend got an email inviting her to come to an audition in New York! At first she was told that they had only extended the invitation to her since she submitted the application, but she asked if she could bring me as well and they said yes. We went to the audition together and we were told we would hear back in a couple of weeks if either of us had been selected.

A few weeks went by and I got a call from someone in the contestant department telling me that I had been selected and if I wanted to appear on the show my tape day would be out in California in two weeks!

What was it like meeting Pat and Vanna?

We first met Vanna in the morning before the tapings began. She came into the contestant room and was almost unrecognizable. She was in casual clothes, no make-up and hair up in a pony-tail. She introduced herself to all of us and told us to stay calm, have fun and wished us good luck!

How did being on the show compare to watching it at home?

Everyone who watches the show at home and plays along is a perfect contestant in their mind. I’d find myself yelling, “What are you doing”, to the contestants on TV when they miss something that seems so obvious. But the minute you get to the stage the rolls are reversed and you’re that person.

Being on the show was very nerve-racking at first! But they let you play practice rounds before hand, which helps eliminate some of the nerves.

What was the highlight of your episode?

Everything I could possibly get, I got! I loved winning the Bonus Round of course but to win a car, a trip and more money was great.

Where there any specific puzzles that were especially challenging or easy for you?

Since it was Teachers Week, the puzzles were education related. I never wanted a puzzle with ‘Q's or Z's and of course I got a same letter puzzle and the answer was "Quirky Quiz Questions". Go figure! In addition to that, my least favorite category is Thing. "Thing" is so broad and non-specific and I struggle with that category so of course that is what I got for the Bonus Round! But I talked it out and won!

Were there any specific wedges you picked up or prizes that you won that you were most excited about?

I won a prize puzzle and it was a trip to Mexico and I won two half cars so I get 1 whole Ford Fiesta!

What was it like going to the Bonus Round?

Surreal. And take to the million-dollar wedge with me was even more thrilling! Can you say pressure? Though I didn't win the million, I was about two wedges away from it. I'm beyond satisfied and grateful for my prizes and can only imagine what it would be like to be (another) teacher that won the million!

What was your favorite part of the entire experience - from your audition to actually taping the show?

Just being able to live out a dream of mine is something that I'll never forget.

What's something Wheel fans should know about you that they won't get to hear in your contestant interview?

Though it might now have seemed like it at first because I was unable to solve the Food and Drink puzzle (FROZEN STRAWBERRY MARGARITA) until the last few letters, I am actually very smart and hold multiple degrees. I'm even a member of two national honor societies.